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Thanks to funding from alumni and friends towards the University’s High Performance Programme, badminton player Dan Bethell, LLB 2017, LLM 2018 has his sights set on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

I loved badminton from the very first lesson –  the speed and power of the game. But I had come across a few sports coaches who believed I should be treated differently because of  my disability. When you have cerebral palsy, simple day-to-day tasks are more difficult. But playing sports made me physically stronger and more flexible. It helped me to cope with living with a disability.

Bristol’s combination of sporting and academic excellence made me feel as though I could thrive on and off the court, and the support from the University’s High Performance Programme has been amazing. Bristol staff go the extra mile to make sure everyone achieves their best. In my first year, I sprained my ankle in training on the week of the national championships. I messaged the squad’s strength and conditioning coach late at night to ask for advice. He immediately sent me an essay-length text outlining what to do.  The next day, he made calls to find a physio and I got a treatment plan sorted. I was able to compete, and win.

It’s not possible to win World Cups and Olympic medals without a team behind the athletes. The programme enables us to get a degree at one of the most prestigious universities in the country too, setting us up for a great future at the end of our sporting careers. I’ve been given financial and academic support, training in strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports psychology, and so much more. I’ve been given the tools to become a world-class athlete.

And that’s exactly what I’ve become thanks to alumni and friends like you. I won the men’s singles European Championships in 2014 and 2016, won three bronze medals at the World Championships in 2015, and my greatest achievement was when I ranked number one in the world from 2015-2017. I wouldn’t have achieved this success without the High Performance Programme.

In April, I was awarded a generous grant from UK Sport that will allow me to split my time between training on the Team GB Elite Programme, and my postgraduate studies at Bristol. My eye is fixed firmly on looking to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, and to fulfil my dream of winning gold for my country.

By funding the programme, Bristol donors have given students like me a team of experts to ensure they can maximise their talent and achieve great things. But most importantly, it has also given me a group of friends who are going through the same things I am, who have similar challenges, who have similar goals and dreams, and we’re there for each other when it gets tough. And for that, I am forever thankful.

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Thank you for keeping Bristol brilliant. Click here to return to our Benefactor’s report 2017/18.

Amber Probyn, MArts Anthropology with Innovation student, reveals what it’s like to benefit from both a bursary and the teaching at Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

I knew that I wanted to study Anthropology but when I found the option of studying MArts Anthropology with Innovation in the Bristol prospectus, framed with the question ‘Do you want to change the world?’, my answer was a resounding yes! I love studying and I love education, but after seven years of traditional schooling I really wanted something different. You can see how things like cars or phones have evolved over the years, but if you look at a classroom now compared to hundreds of years ago, it’s pretty much the same. Why should it be that way? Bristol has always had a reputation for its ground-breaking research and pushing of boundaries, and the new ways of learning at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CfIE) immediately attracted me. I met the Academic Director of the Centre, Dr Kirsten Cater, on my offer day and she was incredible. She made me so excited for life and to learn. Education should be inspirational, and she really embodies that.

We work with local companies on business issues they may be experiencing. This year my group has been working on ways to increase the use of the Bristol Pound by small businesses, via a payment app, which has really stretched our thinking and encouraged our collaborative process.

When you put computer scientists, psychologists and historians in a team together for example, their varied ways of thinking build towards finding an innovative solution to the challenge at hand. We’re getting real world business experience within the safety net of the University. It’s a futuristic model that as students we find immensely rewarding and one that many more will have the benefit of experiencing once the CfIE moves to its new home as part of the planned Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.

I have so many opportunities as part of my course, and something that’s helped enormously has been receiving a bursary. With that support, I’m able to invest my time and money into projects, business ideas and networking, without the worry of financial struggle. For example, I’ve been able to take a language course and buy professional materials for my project work. My sister is a student elsewhere, but she doesn’t have a bursary, and the difference in what we can do is obvious. Her budget is very constrained with no leeway to be spontaneous whereas my bursary helps me network, which is so valuable. Times are changing, and in today’s world meetings often take place in informal settings. It might sound like a small thing but knowing that I can afford to buy coffee in these meetings means that I can connect with other innovative minds, clients and entrepreneurs alike.

I’m both grateful and honoured to have received this bursary. It reminds me that people want the best for others, generosity isn’t lost, and dreams can be achieved. Thank you!

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Thank you for keeping Bristol brilliant. Click here to return to our Benefactor’s report 2017/18.

Nicola Morris, Bristol mum to Calum, 12, talks about how research at the University funded by you could help her son.

When my son Calum was less than two weeks old he had to have open heart surgery. My husband John and I were absolutely petrified at the thought of his little chest being cut open. Luckily for us, Calum’s surgeon was the renowned Massimo Caputo, Professor of Congenital Heart Surgery at the Bristol Heart Institute. Calum pulled through that initial sevenhour surgery, thanks to Massimo’s skills and thoughtfulness as a doctor.

Calum has Truncus Arteriosus, which means that his main arteries did not form properly. He has had several operations to place an artificial tube in his heart in place of a missing pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. So far Calum has been operated on as a newborn, and again at ages four, six and 11. He needs the repeat operations because as he grows, his heart grows, but of course the artificial tube does not, and it needs to be replaced.

Massimo’s research – funded by you – is trying to change this by creating living heart tissue that will grow with the child. He’s looking at the viability of taking stem cells from babies with congenital heart conditions and creating living tissue that can be used to repair their heart defects. With this option of course, a child could potentially have fewer operations. Instead of time off school and weeks recovering from surgery, children could be children and get on with their lives.

This important research is cutting edge, complex, challenging, detailed, and time consuming, requiring a lot of resource and detailed analysis. There are strict protocols to follow and evidence to be documented at each stage of the research before it can move to clinical trials. This is why we’re so grateful that Bristol alumni and friends understand and support this process, which we hope will lead to a major clinical breakthrough and be lifechanging for people with heart defects.

I recently met a donor in his 80s who’s supporting Massimo’s research. He told me that his greatest wish is for it to become viable before he turns 90! I too hope that it comes to fruition soon, so that children like Calum can be spared what he’s had to go through. There is even hope that it may also help Calum – during his last operation Massimo took some stem cells from his heart and is also researching the viability of creating heart tissue from these cells.

It’s through people like you funding such groundbreaking work at the University of Bristol that lives such as my little boy’s can truly be changed. Calum describes Massimo as his hero, as the one ‘who’s fixing my heart’. Thank you for continuing to support this important research.

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Thank you for keeping Bristol brilliant. Click here to return to our Benefactor’s report 2017/18.

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Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Hugh Brady and Stephen O’Connor, Director of Development and Alumni Relations reflect on the generosity of alumni over the past year and look ahead towards the future.

Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President

Bristol’s power is people: it’s people who make the research breakthroughs that put us on the world map, it’s talented people who come from all over the world to study with us, and people – like you – who support the University. It’s people like you who make our University so special – your donations, expertise, and involvement are incredibly valuable. This report is just one way of saying thank you, and my opportunity to add my personal thanks to you.

I’ve met with many of you over the course of the year – here in Bristol at our Alumni Association Student Awards Reception, in London at our Pioneers Celebration, and at our alumni receptions in Beijing and Singapore.

That our supporters are found in every corner of the globe should come as no surprise, because Bristol has a global outlook. It’s that international perspective that has inspired us to create a new scholarship programme – Think Big – which will encourage even more bright international students to join us here in Bristol, building an even richer and more diverse community. With thanks to collective donations from alumni and friends, our first scholars will arrive this autumn, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you in future.

In the following pages you’ll read about some of the inspirational people who have been helped by donations like yours – from refugee and asylum seekers supported through the Sanctuary Scholarship programme, to ViceChancellor’s Fellows like Malu Villela Garcia who are forging bridges between Bristol and the wider world through their work. You’ll meet pioneering researchers like Professor Massimo Caputo and outstanding academics like Dr Kirsten Cater – both of whom are able to push the boundaries of knowledge forward because of generous donations like yours.

Our University brings together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of experiences. Here at Bristol – with your support – they can reach further towards their potential, whether that’s pursuing answers to some of the world’s grand challenges or taking up opportunities that previously seemed out of reach.

Thank you for all that you’ve done to support Bristol’s people and in helping to ensure that your alma mater continues to grow and flourish.

Looking ahead

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Stephen O’Connor, Director of Development and Alumni Relations 

In this year’s Benefactors’ Report, we reflect on the inspiring contribution that our donors and supporters have made to the University, and to Bristol scholars and academics.

Your gifts are powering our researchers, our academy, our students and our contribution to the city and worldwide. They enable us to have a greater degree of financial independence and freedom that allows Bristol to grow and flourish, keeping our reputation for excellence and innovation to the forefront.

But more than that, your generous gifts are helping to foster Bristol’s long tradition as a place of sanctuary as well as a place of brilliance. Just recently I spoke to an alumnus and scholarship benefactor, whose father had been given refuge in the UK and by the University. Fleeing mainland Europe during World War II, he found a welcome home to study here. We continue to be a place of openness and diversity, which is reflected in our renowned Sanctuary Scholarship programme.

Excellence is central to the Bristol academic experience, and your philanthropic gifts for student support give social currency to those who might otherwise not be able to access it. You can see for yourself in the many stories contained within these pages how you’re very much part of ensuring the continuing quality of the student experience, excellence in research and innovative teaching.

As we look to build on our reputation as a global civic university I sincerely hope that you will continue with us on that journey, allowing many others to access and share the unique Bristol experience. Thank you for your tremendous and continuing support and I look forward to meeting you at the Benefactors’ Reception, or at other events throughout the year ahead.

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Thank you for keeping Bristol brilliant. Click here to return to our Benefactor’s report 2017/18.

Traditional notions of libraries are changing. The University has announced plans for a new £80 million library to be built at the heart of the Clifton campus – we’ve collected opinions on what the future of university libraries will look like.

Why does Bristol need a new library?

It’s been a long-term dream of the University to upgrade this library. The Arts and Social Sciences Library is quite old now and if you consider when it was built, a lot has changed: how students study, the resources needed, the technology, their interaction with each other. We are really excited about Bristol’s new £80 million library development at the heart of our Clifton campus. Ultimately, students are here to be educated and it’s important to invest in quality facilities that inspire innovation and discovery

My own background is in History, English and Geography, so I’m very conscious that the library is a laboratory for Arts and Social Sciences students. It will function as a community and a collaborative space for students, where they can do self-study but also interact with their peers. It will be a library for the whole University, and provide an opportunity to step up our provision for students. Fundamentally it will support the educational experience, where learning will be extended through exposure to new ideas, space to reflect, and of course books will be front and centre. The new library will also have a gallery space, which will enliven the academic experience and exposure for Arts and Social Sciences students in particular. Students at
Bristol have access to incredible academic and cultural materials that many other universities are not able to provide. Gallery space, showcasing and celebrating our University’s unique special collections, will help to make the most of them.

We plan to increase cultural collections for display too. We have such rich treasures: a strong feminist collection, a rare book collection, a world-class theatre collection and so many other fascinating manuscripts and archival documents which we really want to showcase. Gallery space will help our collections to become something that the whole Bristol community will be proud of.

One of my aspirations is to advance a fantastic digital experience for students. We’ll be introducing a new cataloguing and search system for library items which also links to digital resources. Students will be able to search and access online articles that the University holds subscriptions for. All this will be available via an app on their smartphones.

The library will be inclusive, accessible, inspiring, adaptable and flexible to new ways of learning and technology, and sustainable. It will be built to last and to complement the surrounding heritage. Bristol is one of the world’s greatest civic universities: it’s always been a leader and beacon of excellence, particularly in research. We all aspire to build on our inspirational teaching and further improve the student experience, and having recently moved from the University of Melbourne to take up my post at Bristol, I’m really looking forward to realising our shared vision for this wonderful new library.

Why is the design of a library so important?

The library will be at the centre of the University’s vision for its Clifton campus to be the welcoming ‘heart’ to the University – for students, staff and members of the public alike. It will be a space for connection, with ideas and with others. Digital technologies are linking us more than ever, but we also appear to be more fragmented. Libraries are quintessentially democratic urban gathering places where an increasingly diverse user can connect for their own needs on their own terms. We produce ‘democratic architecture’ – architecture that focuses on the needs and experiences of the people who use the buildings and spaces we design. A place where diversity is valued. With each project, we observe the social habits, needs and the context of the community where our libraries are built.

Libraries are in constant evolution and being at the forefront of this thinking is essential to doing the best work. We have extensive global experience designing libraries at Schmidt Hammer Lassen and our work has been honoured with 16 international awards. Designing libraries of the future is unique because of the need to adapt to shifting human behaviour in terms of how we study and gain knowledge. We are developing the way we think about libraries towards what we refer to as ‘collection to connection’. How do we design libraries that both collect knowledge and bring people together?

The foundation of our creative approach to designing libraries is the concept of a third space that lies between our homes and workplaces. The urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg says the third space is vital for civil society, democracy, citizen engagement and a sense of place. We agree. We believe that architecture affects lives. We’re not interested in building for building’s sake – we’re interested in making a positive difference.

Libraries make a difference in our lives, in connecting us. With the University’s two iconic buildings, HH Wills Physics Building and the Wills Memorial Building, the new library will stand out as the gateway to the campus, a beacon of knowledge, representing the University of Bristol, being visible from all around the Bristol urban skyline.

What does a university library mean to you?

Inspiration. I came to the University in 1971 when the world was vastly different. I used the Wills Memorial library and can recall the hush of the busy monumental reading room, the hunt for a seat in the many alcoves. The impressive backdrop of the library with its high ceilings and formal wooden furniture was inspiring. We seemed to learn just by being in it. Back then all the resources were printed and we used a card catalogue to locate them. Although individual private study was the main mode of learning, the library was still a social space in the sense that there was an unvoiced fellowship among the hardworking users.

Although I was the first person in my family to enter higher education, I was no stranger to libraries. I grew up with the public library as a second home, secured a Saturday job shelving books, and worked on the service counter when I was a student. I learned valuable lessons about delivering face-to-face library services. This stood me in good stead throughout my career as the
University Librarian and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester including overseeing the £32m library renovation project there in 2008, which went on to win numerous library and architectural awards.

Some years ago, pundits were predicting the end of libraries in the digital age, but there has been more investment in academic library buildings and higher use of those facilities than ever before. Far-sighted institutions are demonstrating that libraries have a unique role in expressing and embodying the mission of the university.

It’s thrilling that Bristol sees the library as the hub of the Clifton campus and significant investment has been earmarked to support this conviction. It’s good to hear that extensive consultation on the detailed plans is to take place too – the most important and stimulating part of the project if the library is to become truly the heart of the University. The vision of libraries, evident when I was at Bristol, endures in the digital age: an inspiring environment to support learning and the creation of knowledge.

What will a library in the future be like?

Since I was six years old, I’ve been fascinated by the past. I went on weekly excursions to the library and read everything from Ancient Egypt to the entire Nancy Drew series. I was determined to be an archaeologist and thanks to AHRC funding I’m now doing a PhD in historical archaeology.

But so much has changed since I was six. As a mother and part-time distant-learning student there are so many challenges to overcome. My hours are bound to childcare, which in rural Wiltshire is pretty restrictive moneywise and timewise. I need to incorporate archive visits, fieldwork, and teaching, and last semester required military organisation of grandparents, friends, afterschool clubs, and transport. I’m grateful that the library can post me books when I need them, but now we have the internet, lots of things are available online too.

To study the past I’ve had to dig even deeper into the future. I love the countryside, but it has a huge transport problem, which makes travelling into Bristol incredibly inefficient and impossible if you’re on a tight timescale. Technology has been essential in enabling me to pursue my passion without sacrificing time with my children. But it still has a long way to go.

My dream library would exist in two places: virtually and physically. The resources I need would be online, such as datasets and historical documents. The University has a wonderful stock of hidden knowledge held in documents and collections it’s built up over many years, and it would be great to access these more easily. Academia is also increasingly called upon to engage with the public, which can be difficult to find space for. A public-facing exhibition space is a perfect way to give postgraduates an opportunity to be involved in communicating our work. Finally, my
pie-in-the-sky dream would be an ad-hoc crèche.

My eldest daughter is now six years old, and we’ve enjoyed exploring books on topics like outer space and the Great Fire of London. By the time she goes to University I want to see increased inclusivity and accessibility in the digital and real world, so that everyone can benefit from the knowledge held and generated in these amazing places.

You can listen and download the audio version of this article here:

• Part 1 (mp3)
• Part 2 (mp3)

Goh Siu Lin (LLB 1993) takes us on a journey from Bristol to Malaysia, showing us how she got to where she is today as the first woman to become Chairman on the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee.

I chose to study at Bristol for many reasons. It is well known for having one of the top Law faculties in the UK. I was drawn to the vibrancy of the student community and loved the iconic grandeur of the Wills Memorial Building. When I graduated I was the first lawyer in my family. While at Bristol I took up volunteering opportunities with Bristol’s Student Community Action and did ballroom dancing which enriched my student life. I also made friends of all nationalities and backgrounds – I love food and there were never too many dinner parties at Bristol, all with new and exciting flavours!

The key things that Bristol gave me were an excellent legal education in a supportive and enriching learning environment, a place for self-discovery, and many, many lifelong friendships. Upon my return to Malaysia I gained admission to the Malaysian Bar and practised for the next two decades at Messrs Shook Lin & Bok. Then when I became the first female to win the Chairman post on the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee, I was exhilarated! It was as if I’d crossed the finishing line for a marathon.

I’m passionate about women’s and children’s rights and have written and advocated for more gender-responsive laws, policies and systems. My proudest achievement to date was being part of the intense lobbying and legislative efforts which crystallised in the passing of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act in Malaysia on 26 April 2017. If I had any advice for my younger self it would be to read more, to be more involved in Bar activities and to develop networks. I’ve now set up a small boutique law practice of Messrs Kee Sern, Siu & Huey and this, together with my responsibilities for the Kuala Lumpur Bar, keeps me on my toes!

What’s a bit of swine flu between friends? For Friendship Day [30 July] we asked you about the friends you made at Bristol and you didn’t disappoint. From dancing in the street to film marathons and swine flu, here are a handful of the stories of why your time at Bristol became such an important part of your lives.

She gave me swine flu

Alice Webb (BA 2013) and I were both in University Hall in different blocks but we were on the same course. In our first week in 2009, she gave me swine flu and we’ve been inseparable ever since!

She has been my biggest cheerleader, my rock and my best friend for coming up to nine years and my life would not be the same without her. Too many funny stories to go through, but without all these hilarious years, we wouldn’t be where we are now having made it through some of the darkest times. With her and four other friends from languages, we have the best group of girls anyone could ask for.

Harriet Abley (BA 2013)

Half a world away

At Bristol, Kate, Kathy and I got on so well that we were inseparable.

I met my wonderful friend Kate Smith (MPhil 2015) on my first day in Bristol before term even started and met the lovely Kathy McInerney (MA 2015) through her who she bumped into at their student residences. We were all studying for completely different degrees (Accounting, Finance and Management / Medieval Studies / English Literature), but that didn’t seem to matter. We discovered so many fun things around Bristol like the Balloon fiesta, Harbour festival, and some lovely pubs. We spent a lot of time in each other’s kitchens, cooking together and board game nights or at the student union pub quizzes. Having these girls to always talk to has improved my life so much and although we are now separated by half the world between Hamburg, Boston and Houston, we skype as often as we can and this June they both made the long trip to attend my wedding which was the most special gift I could have asked for.

I cannot wait to see them again someday. Friends are the best excuse you can find to travel the world.

Lynn Baumgarten (MSc 2015)

Dancing in the street

Andrew Clarke, (BA 1992): the sweetest, funniest man. We rehearsed our ballroom dancing in the streets around St Paul’s; he made me jelly in Tom and Jerry glasses; his neighbour’s pet snake did something unmentionable on my jeans and the first time we met he asked to borrow makeup (to dress up for Halloween).

I miss him. Davros, if you read this, get in touch! Xxx

Sarah Anthony (BA 1992)

Where’s Dave now?

I would very much wish to get in touch with Dave Thorton. He did Maths and Computer Science in his first year, and when we met in 1968/1969 he ‘heralded’ from Cleckheaton. He and I were in Burwalls hall of residence during our first year at Bristol University. Without his friendship my first year in 1968/1969 at Bristol University could have been very different.

Damian Wozniak (BSc 1971)

Taka Taka cravings and watching every Bollywood Movie on Earth

Shreya Tandon (Meng 2015) and I have been roommates, batch mates and flat mates throughout the four years. This led to endless gossips, midnight Taka Taka cravings, sharing wardrobes (I used to dig into her wardrobe more often than she used to), gala times when cleaning our flat / room, dancing sessions, enjoying retail therapies together, watching every Bollywood Movie on Earth while enjoying meals together, last minute doubt-clearing sessions (she was obviously more studious), planning each other’s birthday surprises, immature arguments and endless moments of fun, laughter and joy. All these moments have been one of the best for me. She has taught me how to be a good and caring friend. Clearly we cannot be separated so we joined the same company after graduation and still live in the same city and in adjacent buildings.

Sanjana Narang (Meng 2015)

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Further information

For more friendship stories or to tell us yours, go to our Facebook page.

Michelle McDowell MBE FREng (BSc 1984, Hon DEng 2012), studied Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol. When she graduated she became a structural engineer. As her career progressed she has led many high-profile and award-winning projects, including the refurbishment of the Royal Albert Hall. In 2011 Michelle was awarded an MBE for services to the construction industry and she is now the Chair of Civil and Structural Engineering at BDP. We spoke to her on International Women in Engineering Day 2018.

Tell us about a woman you think more people should know about.

If you are lacking inspiration, take a look at Helen Keller. Meningitis as a baby left her blind and deaf. In spite of this, she not only mastered the English language, but learned to communicate in French, German and Latin. At a time when Harvard wouldn’t admit women, she attended its ‘annex’, Radcliffe College. She went on to become a political activist, a vocal socialist and she marched in women’s suffrage parades. She certainly makes you think twice about complaining! 

We’ve come a long way in 100 years. What do you want to see changed next? 

I would like to see employers positively embrace flexible working, really embrace it. As someone who works flexibly, I think it’s a brilliant deal for employers who get excellent value for money combined with company loyalty. Of course, I benefit too from spending more time with my young children.  

What every-day act would you encourage feminists to take? 

Refuse to put up with unacceptable behaviours – brace yourself if necessary and challenge them. Make the perpetrators feel uncomfortable. They are in the wrong, not you. 

What do you love about being an Engineer? 

I love the tangible results of a very creative process – buildings which emerge from sketches and models, if well designed, can transform lives. One of my most inspiring moments was to return to a school I had designed and for the head teacher to point out a student who formerly played truant but who now not only attended but stayed on after school to do homework. 

Read more from our women in engineering. 

We’re asking staff, students and visitors to the University to answer our three questions. Watch our latest video.

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If you’d like to take part in our Women at Bristol series, please contact the Communications Team.

Watch our other videos on Youtube

Nonesuch takes a look at what the city and the University are contributing to the world of cinema and television in the digital age.

When you think of Bristol and the world of small and big screen, what springs to mind? Hollywood star and Horfield native Cary Grant? Aardman Animations’ Wallace and Gromit? What about the BBC’s Blue Planet and David Attenborough? Or maybe you just fondly remember curling up in front of the latest offering from the University’s Film Society during your time here.

‌Our alumni in the world of film and television include actors, directors, writers and special effects experts. They’ve won Oscars and BAFTAs and are seen as leaders in their fields. Even our University buildings have had a starring role. The 1990 BAFTA-award-winning film Truly Madly Deeply was filmed on location at our very own Goldney Hall, while 2006 hit Starter for Ten was filmed at the School of Chemistry.

Bristol’s reputation as a city of film continues to spread far and wide, and in late 2017 Bristol was designated UNESCO City of Film, becoming an official member of the international UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Dr Angela Piccini, from the School of Arts, said: ‘UNESCO City of Film status draws together all of the diverse film, television, and screen media activities across the city. Here at the University we actually teach and research across moving image forms in many Faculties, far beyond the Department of Film and Television and Faculty of Arts – from medical imaging, to computationally driven innovation, to the politics and power of media representation and the aesthetics of industry-facing practices. Bristol is at the forefront of moving image innovation and the creative industries.’

And in February this year our Chancellor Sir Paul Nurse FRS FMedSci conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters upon Col Needham – who some have referred to as the ‘most powerful Brit in Hollywood’ – for his contribution to the film industry. Dr Piccini gave the oration for Mr Needham, who is the founder and CEO of the renowned website IMDb (Internet Movie Database). Formed in 1990 IMDb became a wholly owned subsidiary of Amazon.com in 1998. As a film buff Col wanted to build a portal of information on all things screen-related, where like-minded individuals could connect and share their love of film no matter where they were in the world.

Fresh from winning the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, alumnus Dr Tom Carter (PhD 2017), CTO and co-founder of technology firm Ultrahaptics, tells us about touching things that aren’t there.

Imagine if you could reach out with your hand and touch a shape in mid-air – a virtual object that you could feel, but not see. That might sound like science fiction, but it’s real, and it’s happening here in Bristol. Ultrahaptics’ technology, which is based on my PhD, uses ultrasound to create three-dimensional shapes and textures in mid-air.

I’ve always been passionate about interface design, the user experience, and making things better. Human interaction with things should be efficient and easy for the user. I’m sure I’m not the only who gets annoyed by parking machines with impossible instructions, or the way when you need to change radio station in your car you have to flail around for the button while trying to keep your eyes on the road.

That’s what our technology is all about – making the way we interact with machines easier and more intuitive. As our tech develops I’m excited about its possible use in so many areas. For now, though, Ultrahaptics has featured in trials of an interactive movie poster and was also part of an art installation at Tate Britain. We’ve seen our tech rolled out into gaming machines and featured as part of a Halloween show at The Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Founding my own company has always been something I’ve wanted to do. When I was studying Computer Science at BristolI was lucky to be in a department that was so forward thinking. I was able to take modules in things such as entrepreneurship, learning about business plans and how to raise investment capital.

The people I met and worked with at Bristol stretched and encouraged me beyond traditional departmental boundaries. Ultrahaptics also benefited from being part of the University’s SET Squared incubator, currently housed in the Engine Shed hubwhere Brunel used to work.

It’s great to see entrepreneurship become more firmly embedded in the University curriculum, particularly with the new Temple Quarter campus that will have innovation at its heart. I believe you can start a business from any background and it’s so encouraging to see this new way of studying come to life.

Further information

You can listen and download the audio version here (mp3).